TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
March 1, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were Town Attorney Mr. Christopher B. Kehoe, Chief of Police George Harvey, Town Engineer Mr. Tim Glass, Town Planner Mr. Tom Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Al Bond and Town Clerk Mr. Robert Karge.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order with Mrs. Scott-Taylor leading the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 17, 2004 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; the minutes were approved with corrections submitted to the Town Clerk by Ms. Jackson-Amis.
EASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Tim Knotts reported on the Easton Fire Department’s monthly activities. He stated that the Bell restoration company advised that the process will begin the end of this month.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey reminded everyone that there will be a skate park meeting Monday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. to try to set up a timetable and procedure for getting the project underway.
Mayor Willey reported that Mr. Ken Carroll is resigning from the Historic Commission. He asked that any suggestions for candidates be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
Mayor Willey stated that correspondence had been forwarded to the Senate and House in support of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act which helps the Easton Utilities and their efforts to get the wastewater plant underway.
Mayor Willey stated that the Assistant Town Engineer, Joe Gruber and he had visited Ms. Watkins regarding the flooding on their property. He stated that the town should be concerned with the situation and the repair costs will be included in this year’s budget.
Mayor Willey requested an Executive Session regarding real estate after the regular meeting.
Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked Mayor Willey for his attention to Ms. Watkins.
ITEMS FROM CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Harvey reported that he has two requests from Mr. Bond.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, permission was granted for Chief Harvey’s requests.
ITEMS FROM THE TOWN ENGINEER
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass reported on the Easton Volunteer Fire Department substation. He stated that this project is moving ahead. He stated that the Town Attorney will be reviewing the contract for the project for Mayor Willey’s signature.
The Town Engineer stated that the pile driving activity has started for the million gallon water tank which should be completed this week.
Mr. Glass introduced Mr. Mike Chenault whom was hired in the building inspection department. He stated that he is coming from Campbell County, Virginia where he was the building official.
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass discussed the landscaping contract. He stated that he has included a summary of cost savings in the packet for information. Mr. Glass respectfully requested the award of the contract to Chesapeake Landscape and Design, Inc.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed recent telephone calls regarding the award of this contract. She stated that she has a problem with outsourcing in this economy so she will not support this. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there is overwhelming concern in the Public Works Department about the opportunity or lack thereof for individuals to be detailed to do some of these things.
Mr. Ford reminded the Council when considering this, the anticipation of a very challenging fiscal year ahead. He stated that we will feel the loss of tax revenue from Black & Decker and a significant increase of insurance benefits for employees of the Town which have to be paid for somehow. Mr. Ford stated that there would be no loss of jobs by outsourcing this work.
Mr. Jensen stated that he shares Ms. Jackson-Amis’ concerns. He asked if we could keep a tight lid on this in order to determine the savings.
Mr. Glass stated that this is done through the computer programs associated with the budget.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he fully supports this and thinks it is a great move without anyone losing their job.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor agreed with Mr. Wendowski and commended the Town Engineer.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to approve the contract recommended by the Town Engineer seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.
ITEMS FROM THE TOWN PLANNER
The Town Planner, Mr. Hamilton stated that the Planning Commission will be meeting two times this month. He stated that they will meet March 11 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the Easton Village at Ratcliffe.
Mr. Hamilton reported that on the regular meeting on March 18, they will have four items:
Mr. Ford asked who would be attending the APA conference. Mr. Hamilton stated that the Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Matt Davis will be attending but no one from the Planning and Zoning Commission will be going.
Mr. Wendowski discussed Talbot County’s Zoning application notice regarding notice of adjoining property owners. Mr. Hamilton stated that he has incorporated some language into a proposed draft of the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that this will be addressed after the Comprehensive Plan is adopted.
Mr. Jensen asked for an update on the Hampton Inn.
Mr. Hamilton stated that the Planning Commission had a special meeting at the request of the developer to go over that project. He discussed neighbors’ concerns. He stated that the Planning Commission has instructed the developer to install a fence gate for the garbage trucks and delivery trucks can go through but it won’t be left open for the general public. He stated that the next step in that process is the submission of a subdivision application and a site plan review.
Mr. Glass stated that the developer has to get recorded information back to his office regarding traffic nor have they heard back from the State Highway Administration relevant to that site development.
Ms. Jackson-Amis wanted to acknowledge publicly and say thank you to Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner for his participation in the Town Hall meeting held recently covering Town issues. She stated that she also appreciated Mr. Ford’s and Mr. Wendowski’s attendance.
ITEMS FROM TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe, the Town Attorney stated that he has two matters this evening. Mr. Kehoe discussed a proposed meeting for March 17 of the elected officials of the municipalities of the county.
Mr. Ford stated that he thinks it is a terrific idea although he will not be able to be there.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that she will be unable to attend also.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she will attend.
Mr. Kehoe stated that enclosed in the packet is a copy of HB 897 which is pending now in the General Assembly through the efforts of Delegate Haddaway. Mr. Kehoe suggested a letter be forwarded to the General Assembly supporting Delegate Haddaway’s efforts.
Mr. Jensen suggested writing a letter of support for the bill and mention the concern regarding the Sunset Clause.
Mayor Willey stated that he is in favor of writing a letter of support as long as we are not directed how the tax money will be spent.
Ms. Jackson-Amis agreed with Mayor Willey and stated that a letter should be specific regarding who would direct the dollars and what we support.
REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Town Attorney asked for an Executive Session for the advice of legal counsel.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
The Economic Development Coordinator, Mr. Bond stated that there is an upcoming Gallery Walk.
PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENT ON PROPOSED CABLE TELEVISION TARIFF REVISIONS
At 7:32 p.m., the President of the Council opened the public hearing to receive comments on proposed Cable Television Tariff revisions.
Mr. Hugh Grunden, President/CEO of Easton Utilities was present to present a case that shows that the Tier 2 cable rates are in need of being increased.
Mr. Grunden stated that he will be presenting an overview and background and perspective of what the cable industry is seeing in particular with respect to programming costs. He stated that they will talk about the proposed changes that Easton Utilities is offering for its Tier 2 rates and talk about customer impact and rate comparisons. Mr. Grunden stated that they also have a timeline for the process going forward including implementation and questions and answers.
Mr. Grunden discussed spiraling programming cost across the county. He stated that this is being taken up by Congress. Since 2002, locally programming costs are up over 25% and are almost 50% of cable revenues. He stated that our rates have increased at half the rate of national averages. Mr. Grunden stated that when they look at programming, they take the approach that they are not marking up programming costs but are looking for the opportunity to pass those through at the cost incurred. He discussed the investment made at the cable plant which necessitates the need to service the debt with the operating cost increasing.
Mr. Ford asked Mr. Grunden to discuss the specificity of the cable plant improvements.
Mr. Grunden stated that they have put on a digital system and uninterruptible power supplies on the system to enhance their reliability.
He stated that operating and maintenance costs continue to rise with an increase cost in materials and supplies as well as labor costs.
Mr. Grunden stated that even with the proposed increase, they will be 25 to 30% less per channel than other providers in the area.
Mr. Grunden offered slides to illustrate the cable rates nationwide and how Easton Utilities stack up with these rates.
Mr. Grunden stated that since 2002, Tier 2 programming costs have increased by $3.00 per subscriber. He stated that what makes that up is News; +17.7%, Variety; +19.7%, Sports; +31.9%. Mr. Grunden explained that all but two of the channels have increased in cost.
Mr. Grunden discussed the proposed changes. He stated that Broadcast Basic remains at $9.95 per month. Tier 1 will remain at $19.95. They are proposing an increase on Tier 2 $4.95 which will bring it to $34.90 (programming costs $3 other increases $1.95) with digital prices remaining the same. They are also proposing an increase in reconnection charge and insufficient check charge to $25 which is consistent with their other services. Mr. Grunden stated that 70% of that $4.95 increase would go to programming fees; another 19% to the debt service and 12% to operation and maintenance costs. Mr. Grunden discussed the cable rate comparison charges with other local cable companies. He discussed the timeline for implementation. He stated that they are respectfully requesting that the Council consider a resolution at its regularly scheduled meeting on March 15 and then the rates would be effective for service rendered on or after May 1. Mr. Grunden stated in summary, they are proposing to increase Tier 2 by $4.95 to $34.90 that really breaks down to a $3 increase in programming fees, $1.95 for debt service and operation and maintenance; Broadcast Basic service and Tier 1 will remain the same at $19.95. All digital services will remain the same. Reconnection fees and NSF check return fee increase to $25 (same as other services) with rates effective for services rendered on or after May 1.
Mr. Grunden stated that he would entertain questions.
Mr. Ford asked why a Tier 3 could not be created to offer just the sports channels to allow customers to receive just a sports menu which would allow customers not interested in sports to not have to pay for them.
Mr. Grunden stated that programmers do not allow an ala carte offering of their services and many even ask where their program will be positioned in the channel lineup.
Discussion occurred regarding packaging with other channels as products.
Mr. Grunden stated that a lot of buying is done through a buying cooperative which presents Easton Utilities as a larger buyer to the market. Mr. Grunden discussed spiraling programming costs and stated that the FCC is looking into this.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor asked if Easton Utilities was charged by subscriber. Mr. Grunden stated that is correct. Mrs. Scott-Taylor asked if charges by premium companies are passed onto the customer without any markup. Mr. Grunden stated that these are rolled into the rates without marking them up.
Mr. Wendowski asked if there were any thoughts to expanding the service beyond the borders of Easton. Mr. Grunden stated that they are looking at that although there are no immediate plans.
Discussion occurred regarding competition and digital satellites.
The President of the Council opened the public hearing for audience comments.
Ms. Karen Green, Doverbrook, stated that one of her major concerns is that as a working mother and a daughter of someone on a fixed income, people are having a hard time just watching television. She stated that she is looking at alternatives.
At 8:53 p.m., the President of the Council closed the public hearing and left the record open for written comments until close of business on Friday.
ORDINANCE NO. 470, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF MCDANIEL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE.”
The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 470 for a first reading.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mr. Jensen discussed the bill in the legislature for Historic Tax Credits.
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe stated that this is a very important program in the state. As a member of the Board of the Maryland Historic Trust which oversees this program and hears appeals from people that wish to obtain Historic Tax Credits that they do not qualify, it is very important if you want to do a renovation or restoration that you follow the guidelines and work with the staff at the Historic Trust to make sure that you are doing the incremental steps necessary in order to end up with the final qualification for the tax credit. Mr. Kehoe stated that the state is enforcing Federal regulations that have been imposed upon it.
Mr. Jensen stated that they are very helpful at the Maryland Historic Trust.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he has been in contact with MML and he has a website and a password to be used when we need to contact them.
Ms. Jackson-Amis announced that Mr. Donnell Johns is hosting for the second time Open Mike Night at Be-A-Star Center on each first Fridays and is open to everyone from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has received a facsimile from Nettie Washington Douglas regarding the Frederick Douglas statue and her elation regarding the choice for the placement of the statue at the Talbot County Courthouse. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she advocates the Talbot County Courthouse as a site where the statue should be erected. She stated that they are moving forward under the Frederick Douglas Action Coalition also known as Fred’s Army. She asked anyone that is interested to contact fredsarmy@yahoo.com for support.
Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked the attendees of the meeting last week for their input. She stated that she is still working on the issues and she will get back shortly.
Ms. Jackson-Amis recognized Ms. Bertha Wilson for attending this evening.
The President of the Council, Mr. Ford, discussed a memo from the Town Attorney regarding suggested changes in the Town’s Charter. He stated that the best way to handle this is to arrange a workshop.
The President of the Council stated that he would like to schedule an affordable housing workshop as soon as possible in the month of March.
Mr. Ford reminded everyone that at the next meeting on March 15 at 7:15 p.m., there is a scheduled public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Ford stated that there will be a spring cleanup on April 3 for the Historic Cemeteries; Richardson Memorial Park and Spring Hill Cemetery.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, the President of the Council went into Executive Session at 8:06 p.m. to discuss real estate and the advice of counsel.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:57 p.m., the President of the Council reconvened into regular session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Mrs. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mrs. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:58 p.m.
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Town Clerk